[itsme]

Hi there,

I need to engrave a small name-plate in brass on my mill. At the moment my mill is only running on 2 axes, so there is no automatic z-axis, only a manual z-axis.

Is there any software (prefarably free, as I probably won't do this again in the next 2 years) that can turn simple text into a toolpath for me to engrave. It would be nice if it could put breaks in so I can operate the z-axis, otherwise, I will just have to manually edit the program.

Any suggestions?

Thanks
Warren

[imserv]

Use DeskEngrave from Deskam.com. Create your program and then use a text editor ( like notepad)to change all the Z lifts to M00. The machine will pause, waiting for you to lift the spindle and press start.

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/hobby

[itsme]

Hi Fred,

DeskEngrave looks like it is what I need, but the only problem is that I can't get it to work. When I download the program and try to run it, it says the setup file is corrupted, so it won't even install. Are there any other programs?

Regards
Warren

[imserv]

Try downloading it again. Be sure to delete the old corrupted file, first. Wierd things happen to internet connections during hurricanes, and Katrina just buzzed over southern and North-eastern US.

DeskCNC includes the guts of Deskengrave and there is a full working, 30 day demo available from the DeskCNC.com web site.

Fred Smith - IMService
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/hobby

[cncadmin]

Is thier a post for using DeskCNC cam for use with Mach?

[imserv]

Use any of the ISO-G code posts that are included with the installation.

Setup-Options-Misc to select a post in DeskCNC.

You will have to deliberately mess with things to produce a program with DeskCNC that is NOT compatible with Mach.

Fred Smith - IMService

[cncadmin]

How about using the laser posts?

[imserv]

As far as I know there is no extra charge to use any of the included posts. ;-)

Fred Smith - IMService

[oldjohn]

G'day
If you give me dimensions of the pate you want to engrave and text, and font, I can post aprogram for you to edit for your machine.
John

[Kool Parts]

oldjohn,
I was just thinking the same thing. One of us should be able to spit out a program
Gary